What is a public-domain work?

A public-domain work is a type of intellectual property that is not protected by copyright law, trademark law, or patent law. This means that anyone is allowed to use, reproduce, and modify the work without permission from the original creator. Examples of public-domain works include works like Shakespeare’s plays, all works published before 1923, and all works published with a public-domain dedication. These works are free to use, reproduce, and modify without permission from the original creator. In California, public-domain works are subject to overarching U.S. copyright law. In some cases, the public-domain work may be protected in California by a state copyright law or a state trademark law. For example, the California Copyright Act protects photographs, paintings, and other works of visual art that were published before 1978. Additionally, some public-domain works may be protected under a state trademark law, such as the California Trademark Act. This law prevents others from using the same name, logo, or phrase as a company or organization. Public-domain works are an important source of creative content for the world. They are used in movies, books, music, and artwork without having to seek permission from the creator or pay a licensing fee. They are a great source of inspiration and contribute to the richness of the global culture.

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What is a public-domain work?

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